Crime

FORMER Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis has avoided jail after pleading guilty to insider trading and conspiracy charges.The Brit billionaire, 87, spilled secrets to his girlfriend, private pilots, family, and friends as part of a “brazen” multi-year scheme that was said to have earned his inner circle millions.British billionaire Joe Lewis arrives at a US federal courthouse to be sentenced on insider trading charges in New York on ThursdayCredit: EPAEx-Spurs ex chief Joe Lewis, pictured in the stands at a football matchCredit: GettyLewis shields his face with a scarf as he arrives at courtCredit: EPAThe billionaire is seen wearing an eyepatch on ThursdayCredit: ReutersLewis arrived at a New York court on Thursday night, wearing an eyepatch over his right eye and a pair of dark sunglasses, and was shielded from the media by security.He held a scarf over his face as an unknown woman covered him with her coat.It was later revealed that the billionaire would avoid being sent to prison for insider trading, after Judge Jessica Clarke sentenced him to a $5million (£4million) fine and three years’ probation.East London-bred Lewis, who now lives in the Bahamas, pleaded guilty in January to one count of conspiracy and two counts of securities fraud.read more on joe lewisFederal sentencing guidelines had called for a prison sentence of up to two years, but Judge Clarke was not bound by them.The judge told the court that Lewis’ crime was “without doubt a serious one”.Inside the courtroom, Lewis was helped by an aide to his seat – where he sat visibly shaking.When asked to confirm to the judge that he understood the proceedings, Lewis – who is worth £5 billion – had difficulty standing up.Most read in FootballHis son, his daughter, and one of his granddaughters sat in the public gallery.In a plea to the court, Lewis begged the judge to spare him jail time as he had made a “terrible mistake”.Inside Joe Lewis’ billionaire lifestyle with epic yacht and £1billion art collectionHe said: “I broke the law. I am ashamed, and I hold myself accountable.”Lewis also asked to be given “any time I have left to make amends and rebuild the trust I have squandered”.One of Lewis’ companies, which had already admitted one count of securities fraud, was ordered to pay £35million in fines and penalties.Judge Clarke praised Lewis for tackling the charges “head on” and not fighting extradition to the US.She said she was sparing him prison because his “life would be at serious risk”, due to his health issues, if he was jailed.Judge Clarke added that it was unlikely Lewis would reoffend because of the damage to his “reputation and embarrassment and shame”.Earlier, prosecutor Jason Richman told the court that Lewis’ behaviour was “calculated and offensive”, as Lewis’ lawyer David Zornow said the billionaire was “frail” and needed to return to the UK for an operation on his eye.Mr Zornow said Lewis had “deteriorated significantly” since last July when he was charged.I broke the law. I am ashamed, and I hold myself accountableJoe LewisFormerTottenham Hotspur ownerThe ex-Spurs chief gave up control of the club in October 2022, but his family trust still owns the majority of it.He was expected to serve 18 months to two years behind bars.But prosecutors argued his age, significant medical issues, willingness to stand trial in the US and otherwise law-abiding life had earned him leniency.As part of his plea deal, Lewis had the right to appeal if he were to be sentenced to prison time.At his January hearing, the businessman admitted that he agreed in 2019 to share secrets about publicly traded companies with several individuals.He told the court that he was “so embarrassed” as he apologised for his conduct.Prosecutors said that his company, Broad Bay Limited, and Lewis would pay $50million (£38million) in financial penalties – the largest financial penalty for insider trading in a decade.’BRAZEN’ SCHEMELewis counts himself within the 500 richest people in the world, with a mega property portfolio across the world, a $250million (£190million) yacht, private planes worth $90million (£70million) and an art collection valued $100million (£80m).In July of last year, Lewis was charged with passing inside information on his portfolio companies to his inner circle.The tips enabled them to reap millions of dollars of profit, according to prosecutors.He was charged with 16 counts of securities fraud and three counts of conspiracy for crimes spanning from 2013 to 2021.Prosecutors branded his actions as “classic corporate corruption” carried out by orchestrating a “brazen” insider trading scheme.In new court papers, prosecutors said Lewis learned secrets about public companies after making large investments.They said that on at least four occasions, he tipped off his girlfriend, personal pilots, employees and friends, enabling them to heavily profit from the secrets.Lewis pictured on his megayacht ‘Aviva’ in the Bahamas in 2010Credit: Tom StockillThe former footie chief stepped down as owner of Tottenham in October, 2022Credit: APHis £190m floating palace sailing through LondonCredit: Getty Images – GettyThis insider trading was “not the result of aberrant, one-time conduct, but rather, a troubling pattern of misconduct over the course of several years,” they wrote.Prosecutors said it was possible that the insider activity resulted from “hubris, ego, a desire to make a financial gift without parting with his own money, an irrational form of greed, or some other reason.”But, regardless, it is clear that Lewis believed he was above the law, that he had achieved a level of wealth and stature that relieved him from having to operate by the same rules that apply to everyday investors,” prosecutors said.APPEALS FOR LENIENCYFrom the start, Lewis was no ordinary defendant.After his arrest less than a year ago, he was freed on a $300million (£237million) bail after putting up a yacht and private plane as collateral.Lewis is limited to travelling between New York, Florida and Georgia, where he owns property.Lewis’ lawyers had appealed for leniency, based on arguments that he is nearing the end of life with declining health and the court’s probation office recommendation of no prison time, a fine and three years on probation.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis defence said that if he received no prison time, he will immediately leave the US.His conviction will mean he cannot return to see his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who live in the US.The glitzy rise of Joe LewisBRIT billionaire businessman Joe Lewis has been sentenced for insider training. Here is the rise and fall of the ex-Spurs chief:
After quitting school at the age of 15, entrepreneurial Lewis went to work for his dad’s catering company.
Lewis began managing a super-club called The Talk of the Town – where the likes of Frank Sinatra performed – in the 1960s, and granted girl group The Nolans their first live show.
He then got a taste for business and took over the firm – turning it into a string of restaurants before flogging it in 1979 for a whopping £30million.
Lewis used his cash influx to invest in currency trading and was subbed The Boxer in a nod to his wild success and power in the investment ring.
Lewis forked out £22million in 2001 to buy a controlling stake in Tottenham Hotspur from Lord Sugar.
One particular investment on Black Wednesday in September 1992 helped elevate him to uber-rich status, as he successfully bet on the Pound crashing out of the European Exchange Rate as Britain tried to align it with other Euro countries.
He became a billionaire overnight – and the financial magic trick worked again years later with a big short against the Mexican peso.
Along the way, Lewis founded Bahamas-based investment firm Tavistock Group – which he has propelled into one of the most dominant private equity firms in the world. 
But it’s not been all work and no play for Lewis, who has spent eye-watering sums on luxury items – homes, art and a superyacht worth £190million, which can house up to 16 guests.
In 2022, Lewis made history by selling David Hockney’s 1972 piece, ‘Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Tool Figures)’.
Having owned the piece since 1995, Lewis auctioned it off for £70.3million – setting a new record for artwork by a living artist.
However, his life of glamour, football and boats all came crashing down when US prosecutors charged him with insider trading and conspiracy in July, 2023.
They accused him of tipping off his girlfriend, jet pilots and other members of his inner circle with insider secrets that helped them make millions over several years.
On January 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to security fraud.
On April 4, 2024 – Lewis was sentenced by a New York court.

The Brit businessman pictured in court in January when he pleaded guilty to charges of insider tradingCredit: ReutersHis lawyers had hoped for leniency owing to his age and medical issuesCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdLewis said he was ‘so embarrassed’ over his conduct at his January pleaCredit: EPA More

THE mystery behind who paid for disgraced footballer Dani Alves’ $1million (£850,000) bail has reportedly been revealed. Alves finally managed to stump up enough cash to walk free from prison on Monday, 25, after days of speculation over where the money was going to come from.The moment Alves walked out of jail on Monday 25, with his lawyerCredit: The Mega AgencyAlves returned to court for his agreed weekly visitsCredit: RexAlves’ wife Joana Sanz has reportedly been used to help Alves get the money needed to pay his bailCredit: GettyDespite earning over £45million across his successful career, Alves had his bank accounts frozen when he was sat in his jail cell meaning he couldn’t fund his own release.But Spanish journalist Marisa Martín Blazquez has seemingly spilled the beans on Alves’ saviour – a Brazilian magazine.Blazquez made the shocking revelation when speaking on Fiesta and claims they offered him the entire wad of money in exchange for an exclusive interview.Blazquez claimed: “The magazine, known in Brazil, does great reports on important people in Brazil, but also internationally.read more in Dani Alves”There are a series of requirements that must be met.”An interview would be being conducted as a video report on Alves’ story.”[The payment] would have been an advance as payment for that documentary-type interview that is being done.”One of the requirements Alves seemingly agreed to is to ensure his wife Joana Sanz will also speak to the magazine.Most read in FootballThe couple have been through a very turbulent past two years as Alves publicly admitted to cheating on Sanz with the woman who alleges she was raped.Sanz asked for a divorce as the star faced his rape trial but she did go on to back Alves in court claiming she was with him the night of the accusations.Moment rapist Dani Alves walks FREE from prison just weeks into his 4.5-year sentence after paying €1m bailBut it is currently uncertain what the pair’s status is after Joana accidentally shared a bizarre letter from her rapist ex where he declares his love for her from jail.She also momentarily deactivated her Instagram account just hours after he was granted release on bail.But Spanish media claims Sanz went to see her ex at his home just days after his release.The former Brazilian icon was convicted of raping a woman at a Barcelona nightclub and sentenced to four-and-a-half-years in jail.He has constantly said the sexual encounter was consensual. WHO COULD’VE PAID BAIL?The source of the large sum of cash Alves needed to escape prison has been hotly debated ever since the ex Barcelona ace was allowed to leave on bail.The figure was originally thought to be getting paid for by pal Neymar Jr’s father, said LaVanguardia.Neymar da Silva Santos Sr had been expected to help Alves pay the money to secure his freedom, but he issued a statement denying he would hand over any cash after coming under political pressure in his homeland.He said: “For us, for my family, this matter is over. Full stop.” Neymar’s father helped Alves out during his trial with other payments such as compensating the victim.But Neymar Sr said t’s a “different situation” now because a three judge panel at the Barcelona Provincial Court ruled against Alves at his trial.”With the Spanish court ruling for his conviction, there’s speculation and an attempt to associate my name and my son’s to a matter that is not within our reach any longer,” Neymar’s father said in a family statement.He added that he hopes Alves “can find all the answers he looks for in his own family.”The other person who was heavily rumoured to have assisted Alves was his former team mate at Barcelona, Memphis Depay.The Dutchman’s agent quickly shut down these reports however saying “this is fake news. It is false news, it is not true at all”.Alves and Sanz, before his rape conviction, at the mansion the footballer has been allowed to live in after making bailCredit: Instagram/danialvesThe former Barcelona ace has reportedly agreed to do an interview with a Brazilian magazine in return for the bail money they gave himCredit: AFPHis lawyer Ines Guardiola won an appeal to get Alves out of jail if he met the bail conditionsCredit: GettyALVES’ BAIL CONTROVERSYThe Barcelona court allowed Alves to walk free from his Brians 2 jail despite his recent rape conviction.Alves spent just weeks behind bars but his lawyer Ines Guardiola managed to win a bid to appeal the four-and-a-half year jail sentence.Where he is now living in the comfort of his £4million home in Esplugues de LLobregat – a 25-minute drive west of Barcelona – as his lawyers go through the appeal process, reports say.The bail conditions set by the court say Alves must stay at least 1,000m away from the home of the victim or any other place she frequently goes.He is also banned from ever contacting her and must handover his Brazilian and Spanish passports.The court feared Alves could leave Spain and travel to his native Brazil to try and avoid serving anymore jail time.The 23-year-old victim’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, described Alves’ release as “scandalous”, branding it as “justice for the rich”.As Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also condemned Alves’ release.He said: “The money that Daniel Alves has, the money that someone can lend him, cannot buy the offence that a man does to a woman by committing rape.”It comes as residents of Barcelona – where Alves was once seen as an icon – blasted the court’s ruling to free him on bail.One woman said: “I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matter.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If you have money and you are a man, you can do whatever you want and you won’t have to pay.”As a man also gave his view saying “evil” things can’t be forgotten about simply because of money.Alves’ court case
In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, Alves denied the allegation of rape against him saying the sexual encounter was completely consensual. 
The three-day trial saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.
His accuser told the prosecution she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but was then forced to stay after wanting to leave.
She told the court Alves allegedly slapped and insulted her before forcing her into having sex.
Alves did confirm he had sex with the woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.
Alves was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars.
The court also ordered Alves to pay £130,000 (€150k) in compensation to the victim.
He also faced a nine-and-a-half-year restraining order from the accuser.
The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
Following the sentence, Alves was sent to Brians 2 prison in Barcelona.
Despite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Joana did back Alves when she took to the stand.
During her testimony on February 6, 2024, Joana claimed they were not legally divorced and that she had been with Alves on the night of the accusation.
Joana told the court Alves “smelled of alcohol” and “he bumped into several pieces of furniture and collapsed on the bed” after arriving home from the night out.
But she said she didn’t want to talk to him because of “the state he was in”.
A disgraced Alves publicly apologised to Joana during an interview from his prison cell in 2023.
He told Spanish reporter Mayka Navarro: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.
“I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”

Neymar’s father publicly denied report she was set to pay for Alves’ bailCredit: AFPThe 23-year-old victim’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, described Alves’ release as ‘scandalous’Credit: The Mega AgencyAlves was convicted of rape but only served a few weeks in jailCredit: Reuters More